friday, april 26 7:10 a.m.-5:40 p.m.
Well today is the last day of mentorship. I am really sad, because I really think I can find a home in this business. Chad knows this is where I want to end up, and I expect he will be able to find an opening for me soon if I want it. Just like any job opportunity it a lot will depend on the money and benefits, but this is where my heart is.
I drove to Cedar Grove High School today in Decatur, GA outside of Atlanta and visited with 2016 defensive end prospect Antwaun Jackson. Jackson has a lot of college football coaches talking and interested In March, he told me Coach Bonner wanted him to come by his office. Coach Bonner said he just received a call from University of Georgia head coach Mark Richt and Jackson was receiving a full scholarship offer. Jackson told me was elated and was excited to have an opportunity to play football for the instate school. Since that time he has received offers from South Carolina, Auburn, Clemson, and Ole Miss. He said right now that South Carolina is probably his favorite school. One of his best friends is South Carolina linebacker commit Bryson-Allen Williams and the two would like to play football together in colllege. However, he said he is not going to rush his decision and is going to listen to what every school has to say.
After the visit I drove back to Warner Robins. My mentorship with Scout.com had concluded.
I drove to Cedar Grove High School today in Decatur, GA outside of Atlanta and visited with 2016 defensive end prospect Antwaun Jackson. Jackson has a lot of college football coaches talking and interested In March, he told me Coach Bonner wanted him to come by his office. Coach Bonner said he just received a call from University of Georgia head coach Mark Richt and Jackson was receiving a full scholarship offer. Jackson told me was elated and was excited to have an opportunity to play football for the instate school. Since that time he has received offers from South Carolina, Auburn, Clemson, and Ole Miss. He said right now that South Carolina is probably his favorite school. One of his best friends is South Carolina linebacker commit Bryson-Allen Williams and the two would like to play football together in colllege. However, he said he is not going to rush his decision and is going to listen to what every school has to say.
After the visit I drove back to Warner Robins. My mentorship with Scout.com had concluded.
TUESDAY, April 23 8:20 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
I finished the rest of my follow up calls and emails today. If I have confirmation on attendance I just ask the coaches if they need anything prior to the camp or if I haven't heard I ask the coaches if they plan on attending. Most often we get quick responses so the camp fills up quickly. If I haven't heard from the coaches they most of the time tell me they can't bring kids or they do not have kids quite ready for the intense level of the competition. Every so often you will have a coach who will decide late but that is often not the case.
Early in the evening, after I had finished my calls and emails I got on the phone with American Heritage High School running back Sony Michael. Michael is one of the top running backs in the entire country. Michael is planning on announcing his college choice on Friday and many expect him to commit to The University of Georgia. However, Michael made me question that based on my conversation. He told me that The University of Miami has really turned the heat on him towards the end and gave him a lot to think about. He said it will be a tough decision for him, but he still plans on committing Friday. Michael is special. He is a back that has a mix of power and speed. He will be a great pick up either for Miami or Georgia.
Early in the evening, after I had finished my calls and emails I got on the phone with American Heritage High School running back Sony Michael. Michael is one of the top running backs in the entire country. Michael is planning on announcing his college choice on Friday and many expect him to commit to The University of Georgia. However, Michael made me question that based on my conversation. He told me that The University of Miami has really turned the heat on him towards the end and gave him a lot to think about. He said it will be a tough decision for him, but he still plans on committing Friday. Michael is special. He is a back that has a mix of power and speed. He will be a great pick up either for Miami or Georgia.
monday, april 22 8:30 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
Well this is the last week of my mentorship. I have really enjoyed it. My favorite aspect has been working with Chad as well as getting to know the kids. I hope they realize the opportunites they have because their opportunities for success or endless considering many will have the opportunity for a free college education.
I am disappointed I will not be able to attend The MVP Camp in Tampa, Florida on Saturday. Chad asked me to attend, but with the need to get all of my classwork done as well as the mentorship website, it will be too much. However, I have a responsibility to help Chad and Rusty Mansell have a successful camp. I made follow up calls to about 225 high school coaches in Florida from Jacksonville to Tampa. That is not quite half of the 516 on my list. This is not near as hard as the initial email and calls, because most have already signed up to attend or declined. These calls are asking if there are any questions about the camp, what the players need to bring etc. If I do not get the coaches on the phone, I follow up with an email which is really easier. Nevertheless, Chad likes the personal touch of a phone call so that is typically how I start. It is going to be a great camp. Florida is arguably the best state for high school talent so this could be the best camp talent wise that The MVP Camp has ever hosted.
I am disappointed I will not be able to attend The MVP Camp in Tampa, Florida on Saturday. Chad asked me to attend, but with the need to get all of my classwork done as well as the mentorship website, it will be too much. However, I have a responsibility to help Chad and Rusty Mansell have a successful camp. I made follow up calls to about 225 high school coaches in Florida from Jacksonville to Tampa. That is not quite half of the 516 on my list. This is not near as hard as the initial email and calls, because most have already signed up to attend or declined. These calls are asking if there are any questions about the camp, what the players need to bring etc. If I do not get the coaches on the phone, I follow up with an email which is really easier. Nevertheless, Chad likes the personal touch of a phone call so that is typically how I start. It is going to be a great camp. Florida is arguably the best state for high school talent so this could be the best camp talent wise that The MVP Camp has ever hosted.
friday, april 19 7:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
My mentor Chad Simmons has been telling me I needed to take a day during my mentorship to drive up Covington, GA and visit with Alcovy High School's Okon Godwin. He said Godwin has not been recruited heavily by many schools, but Chad believes Godwin is one of the top sleeper prospects in the southeast. I have been meaning to drive to Alcovy earlier, but just have not had the chance to do it. Well my last week of the mentorship is next week, and I will be mostly following up with emails and phone calls on the Tampa, Florida MVP Camp, I figured today was the day that it must be done.
When I arrived, I was greeted by Alcovy Head Coach Kirk Hoffman. Needless to say, Coach Hoffman is very high on his rising senior linebacker. He had Godwin runs some cone drills for me as well as some pad level linebacker drills. I was very impressed. Godwin says he is beginning to hear from some schools including head coach Bob Stoops at the University of Oklahoma. I couldn't be more happy for Godwin. He is a great kid with a dynamic personality who was very open with me about his recruiting process. He said he has received some letters from Florida and been in contact with Missouri.
When I arrived, I was greeted by Alcovy Head Coach Kirk Hoffman. Needless to say, Coach Hoffman is very high on his rising senior linebacker. He had Godwin runs some cone drills for me as well as some pad level linebacker drills. I was very impressed. Godwin says he is beginning to hear from some schools including head coach Bob Stoops at the University of Oklahoma. I couldn't be more happy for Godwin. He is a great kid with a dynamic personality who was very open with me about his recruiting process. He said he has received some letters from Florida and been in contact with Missouri.
TUESDAY, April 16 6:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Another trip to South Georgia was in store for me today as I made the two hour drive to Lee County (GA) High School. When I was at the MVP Camp back on March 30, I was blown away by some offensive lineman they had in attendance. Two of the best lineman in attendance were Jesse Freeman and Esau Gilmour. They are young (rising freshman), big and athletic. Freeman won the offensive lineman MVP award and dominated players who were some of the best in the southeast who had offers from major Southeastern conference programs. Coach Dean Fabrizio has to be one of the nicest men in the business. I visited with him a few years back when had a wide receiver Stanford Samuels. He thinks Freeman has the potential to be of the top O-line prospects in the southeast and maybe America. He will probably play guard on the next level, but he has extreme quickness. At the MVP Camp, his quick feet were good enough to hold his own against some elite defensive ends.
Gilmour is also a good player and Fabrizio thinks he will get major college offers as well. Lee County is in a good spot because they are in a region with some high profile South Georgia schools such as Valdosta High School, Lowndes County High School, Tift County High School, and Ware County High School. All of those schools put out numerous top college prospects. Lee County has struggled the last fews but with these lineman as a foundation they have the potential to turn things around.
Gilmour is also a good player and Fabrizio thinks he will get major college offers as well. Lee County is in a good spot because they are in a region with some high profile South Georgia schools such as Valdosta High School, Lowndes County High School, Tift County High School, and Ware County High School. All of those schools put out numerous top college prospects. Lee County has struggled the last fews but with these lineman as a foundation they have the potential to turn things around.
Monday, april 15 7:30 a.m.-5:10 p.m.
I was back on the road again on Monday, but at least I didn't have to handle hustle and bustle of Atlanta. I drove about an hour to Montezuma, GA to Macon County High School. They have a new coach in Larry Harold who came from Riverdale High School in Atlanta area. Coach Harold has a linebacker he is really excited about in 6'1 200 lbs Roquan Smith. According to a coach I know in Taylor County (GA), he said that Smith is all over the field and plays with great quickness and intensity. You wouldn't know it talking with him because Smith is one of the more modest kids I have met and visited with. Smith told he is not hearing from any schools at this time, but Coach Harold said he is taking Smith to both Auburn and University of Georgia football camps where he hopes to get him some exposure.
When I left Macon County, I drove back to Warner Robins. I got a call last week from Northside Warner Robins (GA) head coach Kevin Kinsler about getting a look at his new running back Willie Jordan. He said Jordan would be starting for him in the fall, and had the potential to be the best athlete that has ever come through the program. That's a huge statement considering that former Clemson and New York Jets wide receiver Chansi Stuckey played at Northside. I spent some time with Willie and he really wants to play collegiately at Alabama. If Kinsler's statements about him are true, I believe Jordan will get that opportunity.
When I got back home I made a phone call to Charlotte (NC) Christian tight end Jeb Blazevich. Blazevich is 6'4 and 230 lbs. He is one of the top tight ends in the country and is being heavily pursued by Clemson and Georgia. Blazevich told me he planned on committing next Monday, April 22. He did not tell me directly who led but based on the excitement in his voice, I believe the Bulldogs of Georgia
When I left Macon County, I drove back to Warner Robins. I got a call last week from Northside Warner Robins (GA) head coach Kevin Kinsler about getting a look at his new running back Willie Jordan. He said Jordan would be starting for him in the fall, and had the potential to be the best athlete that has ever come through the program. That's a huge statement considering that former Clemson and New York Jets wide receiver Chansi Stuckey played at Northside. I spent some time with Willie and he really wants to play collegiately at Alabama. If Kinsler's statements about him are true, I believe Jordan will get that opportunity.
When I got back home I made a phone call to Charlotte (NC) Christian tight end Jeb Blazevich. Blazevich is 6'4 and 230 lbs. He is one of the top tight ends in the country and is being heavily pursued by Clemson and Georgia. Blazevich told me he planned on committing next Monday, April 22. He did not tell me directly who led but based on the excitement in his voice, I believe the Bulldogs of Georgia
Friday, april 12 7:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
I spent the day with my mentor which was a thrill. I drove to Dallas, GA where he lives and then we spent the day driving to different schools and visiting with prospects. We first went to Carrolton, GA and met with Dontavious Russell who just committed to play football at The University of Georgia back on April 2. Scout.com ranks Russell as the #20 ranked DT in the country. He will be important as UGA continues to build depth along their defensive front. Russell told us that he had always thought he would go to Auburn. That was his favorite school growing up and during his recruitment. However, Russell said he bonded with new University of Georgia defensive line coach Chris Wilson and he wanted to play for him. Russell confirmed to us in early March that he began to get comfortable with the prospects of playing at UGA and once he knew Georgia was his school he wanted to put the recruitng process behind him.
After Carrolton, we headed back to Atlanta area to Martin Luther King High School. They are home to one of the southeast's top corner back prospects in Wesley Green. Wesley was at the Atlanta MVP camp back on March 30. Green is a rising senior at 5'11 170 lbs. Despite his small stature he packs a big punch with his intensity. He loves to play in man coverage and is extremely intense when in the face of wide receivers. He will let them know it too especially when shuts them down and makes a play on them. Wesley told us at our visit that he is pretty wide open in his recruiting process but likes Clemson and Tennessee the most. At Tennessee, Green is being recruited by Tennessee secondary coach Willie Martinez who has ties to Georgia as a former defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs. Green said that he talks with Marion Hobby who coaches defensive ends at Clemson.
After the stop at Martin Luther King, we drove back to Dallas and I headed home.
After Carrolton, we headed back to Atlanta area to Martin Luther King High School. They are home to one of the southeast's top corner back prospects in Wesley Green. Wesley was at the Atlanta MVP camp back on March 30. Green is a rising senior at 5'11 170 lbs. Despite his small stature he packs a big punch with his intensity. He loves to play in man coverage and is extremely intense when in the face of wide receivers. He will let them know it too especially when shuts them down and makes a play on them. Wesley told us at our visit that he is pretty wide open in his recruiting process but likes Clemson and Tennessee the most. At Tennessee, Green is being recruited by Tennessee secondary coach Willie Martinez who has ties to Georgia as a former defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs. Green said that he talks with Marion Hobby who coaches defensive ends at Clemson.
After the stop at Martin Luther King, we drove back to Dallas and I headed home.
tuesday, april 9 7:30 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
I took a trip down Thomasville, GA to see Thomas County Central High School Running back Adam Choice. I remember seeing Adam Choice play as a freshman against Northside High School when he was a freshman. At that time, he played running back and wide receiver. He was extremely physical and with elusiveness at that age. Now Choice plays QB, but since Thomas County Central runs the Wing T he is able to use his superior running ability from the quarterback position.
Thomas County Central is a legendary program. It is the home of Florida State Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward. In the 1990s Thomas County Central won 3 state championships The head coach is Bill Shaver, and he was there to greet me. He pulled Choice out of class and we discussed his recruitment. Choice is being recruited by every major program in the country. His favorites based on my discussion with him are Alabama and Georgia. Choice loves Alabama because of the winning tradition Nick Saban has instilled and the ability to win national titles. He likes Georgia because it is the in state school and his good friend Ray Drew plays defensive end there. Georgia also has a thin depth chart at RB which presents him lots of opportunities. It will be interesting to see how this recruitment goes down as we head towards Signing Day 2014.
On the visit, Coach Shaver showed me the new weight room they are constructing at Thomas County Central. He said it would be one of the premiere facilities in South Georgia when it is all completed. Coach Shaver said that the weight room has been a long time coming and a source of major contention with the Thomas County School Board.
I left around 2:00 p.m. I grabbed lunch and make the trek home.
Thomas County Central is a legendary program. It is the home of Florida State Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward. In the 1990s Thomas County Central won 3 state championships The head coach is Bill Shaver, and he was there to greet me. He pulled Choice out of class and we discussed his recruitment. Choice is being recruited by every major program in the country. His favorites based on my discussion with him are Alabama and Georgia. Choice loves Alabama because of the winning tradition Nick Saban has instilled and the ability to win national titles. He likes Georgia because it is the in state school and his good friend Ray Drew plays defensive end there. Georgia also has a thin depth chart at RB which presents him lots of opportunities. It will be interesting to see how this recruitment goes down as we head towards Signing Day 2014.
On the visit, Coach Shaver showed me the new weight room they are constructing at Thomas County Central. He said it would be one of the premiere facilities in South Georgia when it is all completed. Coach Shaver said that the weight room has been a long time coming and a source of major contention with the Thomas County School Board.
I left around 2:00 p.m. I grabbed lunch and make the trek home.
Monday, april 8 8:15 a.m.-5:40 p.m.
I drafted emails and sent them to the remaining schools I had left over for Saturday. I probably sent about 260 emials which allowed me to finish it up. It was long and reptitious which is not my type of thing. It was helped to have the draft email ready so I just copied and ppasted it and would just change the coaches name and school on the email. About 9:30 a.m. on Monday, I began to hear some positive reponses and confirmaton on schools who would send players to our camp on Saturday, April 27. Since I have been in this mentorship,
I continue to be impressed by the overwhelming response we get with these camps. It pleases me to see so many high school coaches who want to promote their kids in a positive way and give them the opportunity to make something of themselves collegiately thtough football and education. We have great leaders in high school football today and they too often go unrecognized. I finished my emails around 4:45 p.m. on Monday and received responses from coaches throughout the day. I encouraged all of them to go ahead and sign up through the MVP camp site at themvpcamp.com so they would be guaranteed a spot.
The last hour or so I entered new football players in the Scout.com database that Chad Simmons, my mentor, had visited over the last couple of weeks.
I continue to be impressed by the overwhelming response we get with these camps. It pleases me to see so many high school coaches who want to promote their kids in a positive way and give them the opportunity to make something of themselves collegiately thtough football and education. We have great leaders in high school football today and they too often go unrecognized. I finished my emails around 4:45 p.m. on Monday and received responses from coaches throughout the day. I encouraged all of them to go ahead and sign up through the MVP camp site at themvpcamp.com so they would be guaranteed a spot.
The last hour or so I entered new football players in the Scout.com database that Chad Simmons, my mentor, had visited over the last couple of weeks.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6 7:45 AM -6:20 P.M.
Well the March 30, MVP Camp in Atlanta has come and gone but Scout.com along with 247 Sports is putting another one together in Tampa, FL on Saturday, April 27. To get ready for the camp I drafted an email and sent it to about half the coaches Lake City, FL all the way down to the South Florida and the Miami area. I hope to complete the task tomorrow but since this list includes nearly 450 high schools I may need another day to complete the task. I also put the sign up information on themvpcamp.com website. Coaches can go to the website and register their players for the camp and pay the $40 per player charge by credit card. The only thing disappointing part for me is I am not sure I will be able to attend the camp. Tampa, FL is nearly a 6 hour drive for me and plus the camp is the day before the semester ends. I am sure I will be stressed to get all of my assignments done plus performing the daily demands of my current job. We will see how of it plays out. But now, my job is to make sure these coaches against their information so we have a great turnout in Tampa. I would love if we could break the record of 450 we set at the March 30 camp.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5 6:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
I went the private school route today as I made the 3 hour drive to Walton, GA to George Walton Academy to check in on junior running back Stanley Williams. Williams is one of Georgia's top ranked running backs and is rated by Scout.com as a top 100 player nationally. Williams committed to the University of Georgia last summer. But while visiting with him he told me that he and Georgia had parted ways, and he will head to another school.
It was my first awkward conversation since my mentorship with a recruit. I had spoken to Williams about setting up my visit and he said he was still excited about going to Georgia. Though he admitted he was still looking at other schools. Williams was taking it well though, he appeared it best for all sides to split up and for him to move forward. Based on conversations, however I do feel that UGA likes two other running backs in the 2014 recruiting class better.
It was my first awkward conversation since my mentorship with a recruit. I had spoken to Williams about setting up my visit and he said he was still excited about going to Georgia. Though he admitted he was still looking at other schools. Williams was taking it well though, he appeared it best for all sides to split up and for him to move forward. Based on conversations, however I do feel that UGA likes two other running backs in the 2014 recruiting class better.
Tuesday, April 2 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M
On Tuesday, I drove over to Northside (WR) High School. I was extremely excited about this visit because Northside has been one of the standard bearers for high school football in the Middle Georgia region. The program began to ascend in the 1990s under former head coach Conrad Nix. 2006 and 2007 Northside won back to back state titles and has near the top of high school football in their classification ever since.
As is often the case with top high school football particulary in talent rich Georgia, Northside has some young players that are already catching the eyes of college coaches and scouts. Northside has a freshman lineman that is going to be special. He is just a freshman and is already 6'3 315 lbs.
I spent my morning on Tuesday writing articles on prospects from last Saturday's MVP Camp. I wrote 3 articles that will be posted on the Scout.com website soon.. Once they are up I will try and remember to get posted to my blog.
After lunch, I went to Northside High School and the spent the afternoon watching Northside go through workouts in preparation for spring practice and the upcoming season. I was blown away at the intensity and organization of the workouts at Northside. Each position coach was in charge of a drill and they were getting after their kids on a high level. Northside head coach Kevin Kinsler was walking the workout room monitioring the situation, occassionly offering encouragement or getting on a kid from not using proper form during a workout technique.
After the workout, I visited with Coach Kinsler and met offensive lineman Brandon Sandefur. Sandefur is wide open in the schools he is interested in since he is only a freshman, but he will get a good education in the coming months on the process. Coach Kinsler is a stoic figure and understands what it takes to win at the next level. He commands respect and his wisdom make him an excellent coach.
After Northside, I went to my office and uploaded some video from Saturday's MVP Camp.
As is often the case with top high school football particulary in talent rich Georgia, Northside has some young players that are already catching the eyes of college coaches and scouts. Northside has a freshman lineman that is going to be special. He is just a freshman and is already 6'3 315 lbs.
I spent my morning on Tuesday writing articles on prospects from last Saturday's MVP Camp. I wrote 3 articles that will be posted on the Scout.com website soon.. Once they are up I will try and remember to get posted to my blog.
After lunch, I went to Northside High School and the spent the afternoon watching Northside go through workouts in preparation for spring practice and the upcoming season. I was blown away at the intensity and organization of the workouts at Northside. Each position coach was in charge of a drill and they were getting after their kids on a high level. Northside head coach Kevin Kinsler was walking the workout room monitioring the situation, occassionly offering encouragement or getting on a kid from not using proper form during a workout technique.
After the workout, I visited with Coach Kinsler and met offensive lineman Brandon Sandefur. Sandefur is wide open in the schools he is interested in since he is only a freshman, but he will get a good education in the coming months on the process. Coach Kinsler is a stoic figure and understands what it takes to win at the next level. He commands respect and his wisdom make him an excellent coach.
After Northside, I went to my office and uploaded some video from Saturday's MVP Camp.
MOnday, April 1 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
On Monday, I made the trek back to Atlanta to St. Pius X Catholic School. St. Pius is an absolute beauty for a high school, and I was able to visit with the football coaches. My main purpose was to visit with 3 star safety Nick Glass, who is committed to play football at the University of Georgia. Glass is a 2014 signee which means he is a junior. He has great size and length of a safety at 6'1 197 lbs. While Glass is committed to play at Georgia, he has numerous schools after him for his services. Tennessee has made a strong push of late and Glass told me he is still committed to Georgia, but wants other college coaches to know he will listen to what they have to sell for their school. Based on my conversations with Glass, I don' t think his recruitment is final.
After making the two hour drive to Warner Robins, GA I typed and completed my notes from the MVP Camp I attended on Saturday. There are two parts to my notebook, and they consist of interviews I did with potential college players who were trying to publicize themselves at the MVP Camp. Here is a copy of my story.
After making the two hour drive to Warner Robins, GA I typed and completed my notes from the MVP Camp I attended on Saturday. There are two parts to my notebook, and they consist of interviews I did with potential college players who were trying to publicize themselves at the MVP Camp. Here is a copy of my story.
Sunday, march 31 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Scuttlebut begin to break out while at the MVP Camp on Saturday about Fayetteville, NC DT Lamont Gaillard that his long time leader the Florida Gators was no his favorite. This was do to the fact that Florida defensive line coach Bryant Young resigned. I took me about an hour, but I finally caught up with Lamont by phone in the afternoon. Lamont made clear to me that Florida was still his favorite. He told me that the person he knew the most at Florida was new Gators defensive line coach Brad Lawing, who was mainly a recruitng coach at Florida prior to the Young resignation. Gaillard told me he was very close to Lawing, and he was the main reason his interest in Florida was so strong. He told me was going to visit The University of Georgia this weekend because Bulldog TE coach John Lilly wanted him to visit. So after my interview with Lamont it is clear that Florida is still his favorite school. He did tell me he was in no rush to make a committment. After the interview with Lamont I filed this story for Dawgpost.com (a Scout.com affiliate). It ran on April 11, 2013.
After I did the story on Lamont I made calls to Jeb Blashovech, a tight end from Charlotte, NC. He is one of the top TE's in the nation, and he told me on the call that he is leaning towards Clemson at this time. I also spoke with Rakewon McMillian from Hinesville, GA. Scout.com currently rates Rakewon as the top prospect in the state of Georgia. He said the in state school the Georgia Bulldogs is really starting to recruit him hard and is giving him a lot to think about. At this time though he says Ohio State remains his favorite.
After I did the story on Lamont I made calls to Jeb Blashovech, a tight end from Charlotte, NC. He is one of the top TE's in the nation, and he told me on the call that he is leaning towards Clemson at this time. I also spoke with Rakewon McMillian from Hinesville, GA. Scout.com currently rates Rakewon as the top prospect in the state of Georgia. He said the in state school the Georgia Bulldogs is really starting to recruit him hard and is giving him a lot to think about. At this time though he says Ohio State remains his favorite.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30 6:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
I was in Atlanta, GA yesterday at Therrell High School for the 2013 MVP Camp. The camp is designed to showcase young and upcoming high school players to publicize them for possible college football offers. This is the sixth consecutive year for the camp. Past camp MVPs are University of Georgia outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins, Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Geno Smith and running back Kendrick Drake as well as Georgia Bulldog center David Andrews.
I left the house at around 6:30 am to make the hour and half drive to Atlanta. When I arriving I helped with registration and took a photo of each prospect as they entered the camp. There were over 450 attendees for the camp which is a record.
The camp began with a speech from former Georgia Bulldog offensive lineman Steve Herndon to educate the players about the recruiting process and the importance to maintain good character while in high school.
The groups then broke into individual drills for instruction by different high school coaches throughout Georgia. After these drills were included there was one on one competition between offense and defensive lineman as well as one and one competition between cornerbacks and wide receivers as well as running backs and linebackers. The latter two competitions were done with high school quarterback throwing the football.
At the end of the day, Cole Garvin from Sandy Creek (GA) HS was awarded the offensive MVP with Bryson Allen Williams from Cedar Grove (GA) HS awarded the defensive MVP. The overall MVP went to Collin Lisa from Chattahoochee (GA) HS. I videoed the awards which I hope to post to my blog when available to view on the Scout website.
At the end of the camp, I conducted 11 interviews of prospects that already hearing from college coaches. We had a few celebrities at the camp. Former Florida Gators and Tennessee Titans tight end Ben Troupe as well as former Georgia Tech and Buffalo Bills running back Joe Burns.
I left the house at around 6:30 am to make the hour and half drive to Atlanta. When I arriving I helped with registration and took a photo of each prospect as they entered the camp. There were over 450 attendees for the camp which is a record.
The camp began with a speech from former Georgia Bulldog offensive lineman Steve Herndon to educate the players about the recruiting process and the importance to maintain good character while in high school.
The groups then broke into individual drills for instruction by different high school coaches throughout Georgia. After these drills were included there was one on one competition between offense and defensive lineman as well as one and one competition between cornerbacks and wide receivers as well as running backs and linebackers. The latter two competitions were done with high school quarterback throwing the football.
At the end of the day, Cole Garvin from Sandy Creek (GA) HS was awarded the offensive MVP with Bryson Allen Williams from Cedar Grove (GA) HS awarded the defensive MVP. The overall MVP went to Collin Lisa from Chattahoochee (GA) HS. I videoed the awards which I hope to post to my blog when available to view on the Scout website.
At the end of the camp, I conducted 11 interviews of prospects that already hearing from college coaches. We had a few celebrities at the camp. Former Florida Gators and Tennessee Titans tight end Ben Troupe as well as former Georgia Tech and Buffalo Bills running back Joe Burns.
TUESDAY, March 26 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Another non exciting day for me really in my mentorship. My love for this mentorship is visiting with high school coaches, evaluating prospects, filming prospects, and meeting the future of college and maybe even the NFL in my job. It is tough doing these almost secretarial tasks such as calling coaches about a MVP Camp and sending emails. However, I do understand that to be a successful adminstrator one must be willing to do any task in order for the entire organization to succeed and get what it wants. If no one sent emails or call to college coaches about an MVP camp there will be no one there. So I while my task is very repetitive is arguably the most important of the entire camp by making sure we have enough high school football players to run a successful MVP camp.
I spent about all day calling coaches and sending emaills. I called high school offices particulary from Middle Georgia to North Georgia with a special concentration around the metro Atlanta area where Saturday's MVP Camp will take place. By far the majority of all the high school prospects in Georgia who will sign college offers will come from the metro Atlanta area. There is more kids to choose from with better coaching. It is important to have a good turnout from this area. I called exactly 71 high schools from 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. and the people I did not get I sent emails to their offices asking them if they had questions and confirming their attendance to Saturday's MVP Camp. The response has been overwhelming. When this camp kicks off Saturday, Chad Simmons my mentor told me it could set a MVP Camp record for attendance. He has never had more than 275 kids at a camp. This one could get close to 500 if all their kids follow through with their attendance confirmation.
I spent about all day calling coaches and sending emaills. I called high school offices particulary from Middle Georgia to North Georgia with a special concentration around the metro Atlanta area where Saturday's MVP Camp will take place. By far the majority of all the high school prospects in Georgia who will sign college offers will come from the metro Atlanta area. There is more kids to choose from with better coaching. It is important to have a good turnout from this area. I called exactly 71 high schools from 8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. and the people I did not get I sent emails to their offices asking them if they had questions and confirming their attendance to Saturday's MVP Camp. The response has been overwhelming. When this camp kicks off Saturday, Chad Simmons my mentor told me it could set a MVP Camp record for attendance. He has never had more than 275 kids at a camp. This one could get close to 500 if all their kids follow through with their attendance confirmation.
MONDAY, MARCH 25 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
The MVP Camp in Atlanta is coming up this weekend, and we have to make sure we have a good number of high school football players registered. This is the part of the job I really don't enjoy because I have to email and call high school coaches from all over the state of Georgia. It is not that I don't enjoy talking to high school football coaches, I love it! The problem lies in the task. The job is so repetitive. Over the next threee days, I will have to make calls to over 150 high schools and coaches and ask them how many players they will send to our Saturday MVP Camp. I will have to answer questions. As an intern many of the questions I won't be able to answer so I will have to be them in touch with my mentor Chad Simmons.
So on Monday, I emailed about 50 coaches and called about 75 high schools to check on whether they would be sending kids to the MVP Camp. The response was overwhelming. Many schools were sending multiple kids to the camp. Houston County (GA) High School is sending nearly 30 kids to the camp. At $40 a piece that is a great way for Scout.com and 247 Sports, who we partner with the camp to turn a profit and to keep the camp going for years to come.
So on Monday, I emailed about 50 coaches and called about 75 high schools to check on whether they would be sending kids to the MVP Camp. The response was overwhelming. Many schools were sending multiple kids to the camp. Houston County (GA) High School is sending nearly 30 kids to the camp. At $40 a piece that is a great way for Scout.com and 247 Sports, who we partner with the camp to turn a profit and to keep the camp going for years to come.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
I spent the day at Veterans (GA) High School in Warner Robins and Rutland (GA), High School in Macon. Veterans has two freshman prospects that could be stars at the college level in defensive lineman Cortez Broughton and quarterback Logan Byrd. The head coach at Veterans is David Bruce, who is a fixture in the Middle Georgia area. Bruce was long time assistant on former Warner Robins High School legend Robert Davis' state title teams.
My day began at 6:45 am at the Chick-fil-A where I had breakfast Coach Bruce and his two young prospects. Veterans is a new school in Warner Robins at only 3 years of age. We discussed the upcoming season and the prospects for longterm success for the program. Veterans has struggled in its first two years and has yet to make the state playoffs.
After breakfast, we went to the field and Coach Bruce showed me the athletic offices at Veterans. It is the nicest facility in all of Middle Georgia in my opinion. The school reminds me of a college campus and the athletic facilities are top notch for a high school program. Veterans will also be beginning construction on their own football stadium this year which should only help the program improve long term. The school now shares the football stadium with Perry (GA) HS.
Despite the beautiful school and facilities, the biggest chance for future success will come from young starts Broughton and Byrd. Broughton is 6'2 275 lbs. He is very quick and football strong. Bruce says he knows how to attack offensive lineman and especially how to enter line gaps. Scouts across the country are excited about Logan Byrd. He is only a freshman and has a rifle arm. His 6'2 size as a 15 year old gives him growing room to be the perfect fit for a quarterback at the next level. He has blonde hair and reminds many of current University of Georgia freshman Brice Ramsey who signed with the Bulldogs out of Camden (GA) County HS.
After lunch, I drove about 30 miles to Macon, GA and visited with Rutland head coach George Collins and his star junior WR Shakenneth Williams. As a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I was particularly excited about meeting Coach Collins. He was an All-American offensive lineman at Georgia in the late 1970s and is regarded as one of the greats in the history of the Bulldogs' football program. Coach Collins was a gentleman and it was pleasure not only discussing Williams and Rutland but also the upcoming season for the Bulldogs.
Williams was also a true pleasure to meet and get to know. He was a first class young man who was "yes sir" and "no sir" our entire conversation. I took probably 30 photos of him holding the football and other different shots. Williams has 4'4 speed which has caught the eye of many college prospects. He does not have any official offers at this time, but is a kid that could really be a sleeper in the 2014 signing class.
My day began at 6:45 am at the Chick-fil-A where I had breakfast Coach Bruce and his two young prospects. Veterans is a new school in Warner Robins at only 3 years of age. We discussed the upcoming season and the prospects for longterm success for the program. Veterans has struggled in its first two years and has yet to make the state playoffs.
After breakfast, we went to the field and Coach Bruce showed me the athletic offices at Veterans. It is the nicest facility in all of Middle Georgia in my opinion. The school reminds me of a college campus and the athletic facilities are top notch for a high school program. Veterans will also be beginning construction on their own football stadium this year which should only help the program improve long term. The school now shares the football stadium with Perry (GA) HS.
Despite the beautiful school and facilities, the biggest chance for future success will come from young starts Broughton and Byrd. Broughton is 6'2 275 lbs. He is very quick and football strong. Bruce says he knows how to attack offensive lineman and especially how to enter line gaps. Scouts across the country are excited about Logan Byrd. He is only a freshman and has a rifle arm. His 6'2 size as a 15 year old gives him growing room to be the perfect fit for a quarterback at the next level. He has blonde hair and reminds many of current University of Georgia freshman Brice Ramsey who signed with the Bulldogs out of Camden (GA) County HS.
After lunch, I drove about 30 miles to Macon, GA and visited with Rutland head coach George Collins and his star junior WR Shakenneth Williams. As a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I was particularly excited about meeting Coach Collins. He was an All-American offensive lineman at Georgia in the late 1970s and is regarded as one of the greats in the history of the Bulldogs' football program. Coach Collins was a gentleman and it was pleasure not only discussing Williams and Rutland but also the upcoming season for the Bulldogs.
Williams was also a true pleasure to meet and get to know. He was a first class young man who was "yes sir" and "no sir" our entire conversation. I took probably 30 photos of him holding the football and other different shots. Williams has 4'4 speed which has caught the eye of many college prospects. He does not have any official offers at this time, but is a kid that could really be a sleeper in the 2014 signing class.
FEBRUARY 18 7:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
On February 18 I went to Warner Robins (GA High School. Head Football Coach Bryan Way was their to greet at 7:30 a.m. When I arrived he introduced me to the members of his football coaching staff. He also took me into his office to talk about the upcoming football season. Way said his team was focusing on getting ready for spring practice which will begin in April and are excited about what this season holds for the Warner Robins Demon Deacons. Warner Robins finished 8-2 in 2012 with a loss to AAAA power Peach County (GA) High School and a close 27-21 loss to inter-city rival Northside High School. Both schools consistently play for the state title in their respective class. Peach County won the state title in 2010 and played for the title in 2011 before falling to Burke County High School. Northside was ranked #1 for the majority of the season in Class AAAAA, but they lost in the state title game as well. Warner Robins has been a traditional powerhouse in their own right . College Football Hall of Famers Ron Simmons and James Brooks who played at Florida State and Auburn respectively played for the Demons. In 1988, Warner Robins (GA) won the mythical national championship. They were led by legendary Georgia high school coach Robert Davis.
Coach Way was a former defensive coordinator under Davis' famous Warner Robins team. Way told me he is in constant contact with college head football coaches such as Georgia's Mark Richt, Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson, and Auburn's Gus Malzahn. Auburn's current starting defensive lineman Jeffrey Whitaker played for Way at Warner Robins.
The purpose of the visit was to spend time and get a look at junior defensive lineman Jermaine Abron. Abron is going to be a major college recruit for the 2014 class. Abron was an excellent young man to be around. He moved to Georgia from Michigan three years ago and will be participating in many high school recruiting camps across the Southeast. Growing up in Michigan, he is a fan of the Michigan State Spartans. However, he has received recruiting letters from Georgia and Auburn which means both schools are interested. I took photos of Abron and did a question and answer interview which I will be uploading to the Scout.com website soon. It was great visit, and I am looking forward to numerous visits like this one in the future.
After the visit I went home and made follow up calls and emails to coaches to see if any questions about the MVP Camp in Valdosta this coming Sunday, February 24.
Coach Way was a former defensive coordinator under Davis' famous Warner Robins team. Way told me he is in constant contact with college head football coaches such as Georgia's Mark Richt, Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson, and Auburn's Gus Malzahn. Auburn's current starting defensive lineman Jeffrey Whitaker played for Way at Warner Robins.
The purpose of the visit was to spend time and get a look at junior defensive lineman Jermaine Abron. Abron is going to be a major college recruit for the 2014 class. Abron was an excellent young man to be around. He moved to Georgia from Michigan three years ago and will be participating in many high school recruiting camps across the Southeast. Growing up in Michigan, he is a fan of the Michigan State Spartans. However, he has received recruiting letters from Georgia and Auburn which means both schools are interested. I took photos of Abron and did a question and answer interview which I will be uploading to the Scout.com website soon. It was great visit, and I am looking forward to numerous visits like this one in the future.
After the visit I went home and made follow up calls and emails to coaches to see if any questions about the MVP Camp in Valdosta this coming Sunday, February 24.
Monday, February 11-8:15 a.m.-5:45 p.m
February 11 was extremely busy for me in my
mentorship. Chad Simmons my mentor is hosting a MVP camp in Valdosta (GA) on
Sunday, February 24. The goal is to get as many high school stars as possible
to participate in one and one drills to get a look at which players have a
chance to play at the college level. However, to get players to attend you have
to reach out to the coaches in their area. This was my job. From February
17-20 I emailed over 250 high school coaches in South Georgia from Albany to
Savannah and below. I did the same in Florida from Pensacola to Jacksonville.
I emailed every high school head coach and the ones I did not get a response
from, I called their office. This process took 21 hours and will continue into
my next blog post. To be honest I did not enjoy this as much, because of the
constant emails and telephone calls. But to do the glamor job of visiting with
high school coaches and future college stars, you have to pay your dues with the
not so fun paperwork. The positive though is every high school coach I spoke
with was excited we were having the camp. My fear was that the coaches would
think I was some sort of telemarketer. That was not the case. About half of
the schools in the area participated and the ones who could not were thrilled
and wanted to involve their kids again in the future.
mentorship. Chad Simmons my mentor is hosting a MVP camp in Valdosta (GA) on
Sunday, February 24. The goal is to get as many high school stars as possible
to participate in one and one drills to get a look at which players have a
chance to play at the college level. However, to get players to attend you have
to reach out to the coaches in their area. This was my job. From February
17-20 I emailed over 250 high school coaches in South Georgia from Albany to
Savannah and below. I did the same in Florida from Pensacola to Jacksonville.
I emailed every high school head coach and the ones I did not get a response
from, I called their office. This process took 21 hours and will continue into
my next blog post. To be honest I did not enjoy this as much, because of the
constant emails and telephone calls. But to do the glamor job of visiting with
high school coaches and future college stars, you have to pay your dues with the
not so fun paperwork. The positive though is every high school coach I spoke
with was excited we were having the camp. My fear was that the coaches would
think I was some sort of telemarketer. That was not the case. About half of
the schools in the area participated and the ones who could not were thrilled
and wanted to involve their kids again in the future.